Thank you for this. I’m from the other program as they say. My drink has two legs. These are what some call the high holy days of AA and Alanon when more people come into the “rooms” for support than any other month in the year. It’s so important for family members to better understand alcoholism. Most people think they do but they know nothing. And it shows. I’m so grateful for those willing to share their experience, strength, and hope.
Hi Chris, and thank you - from the other side of the room! Yes, I agree, it is truly hard for family members to understand. I know a lot of people don't like the word "disease," (and I do love AA's definition of a spiritual, physical and mental malady), but that "diagnosis" put me in a whole other place for dealing with something that frankly I tried everything humanly possible by myself to solve and nothing worked! Very grateful today.
Thank you for writing this. My first response: “her too? She tried to convince herself?” My second response: this is all so familiar. So so familiar. The holidays, the triggers, the self-doubt, the plans gone awry. Your words are a balm for me. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
“I didn’t know what sobriety was. I was just trying to quit drinking. I had absolutely no tools for keeping myself safe – I just kept banging my head against the wall until I was exhausted.”
Excellent piece. Have you heard of the app Sober Together? It was started by the son of a friend whose aunt was in recovery for drugs before her death from Covid two years ago. It helps people check-in every day. A friend of mine in AA said it’s another tool that could help people stay sober, though should not replace meetings.
Beautifully written and shared without violating our traditions. Well done and thank you.
Thank you so much Penny!
Thank you for this. I’m from the other program as they say. My drink has two legs. These are what some call the high holy days of AA and Alanon when more people come into the “rooms” for support than any other month in the year. It’s so important for family members to better understand alcoholism. Most people think they do but they know nothing. And it shows. I’m so grateful for those willing to share their experience, strength, and hope.
Hi Chris, and thank you - from the other side of the room! Yes, I agree, it is truly hard for family members to understand. I know a lot of people don't like the word "disease," (and I do love AA's definition of a spiritual, physical and mental malady), but that "diagnosis" put me in a whole other place for dealing with something that frankly I tried everything humanly possible by myself to solve and nothing worked! Very grateful today.
Let’s just say in my experience it is something which runs in families. It does in mine. I find that fact clarifying in so many ways. Humbling even.
Yes absolutely. I've got it on both sides...
Me too. Two siblings have died and one brother is still out there. So. I know. And I try my best to show up for others in our situation.
Oh my gosh, Chris I'm so sorry. That is awful. I'm glad you've got your program and it sounds like you are helping others, too, which is so wonderful.
Thank you for writing this. My first response: “her too? She tried to convince herself?” My second response: this is all so familiar. So so familiar. The holidays, the triggers, the self-doubt, the plans gone awry. Your words are a balm for me. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I’m glad if the words and the familiarity help Elissa! It is such a long journey to acceptance!
For years and years...
“I didn’t know what sobriety was. I was just trying to quit drinking. I had absolutely no tools for keeping myself safe – I just kept banging my head against the wall until I was exhausted.”
Yup!
Excellent piece. Have you heard of the app Sober Together? It was started by the son of a friend whose aunt was in recovery for drugs before her death from Covid two years ago. It helps people check-in every day. A friend of mine in AA said it’s another tool that could help people stay sober, though should not replace meetings.
Oh Carolyn thank you for letting us all know about that. I hadn’t heard of that app but it sounds like a great idea. I’ll check it out!